Why don’t we refer to ourselves as Azimio – Kalonzo anymore

Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka has revealed why the remaining parties in the Azimio coalition are no longer identifying themselves using the outfit.

According to Kalonzo, they were wary of using the name because parties within it, such as the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), decided to focus on strengthening themselves after Raila Odinga’s working arrangement with President William Ruto.

He said that in the new year, however, Azimio will issue a statement asserting its position as an opposition outfit.

“We are very careful not to use Azimio because we noticed that ODM has not talked about Azimio themselves. They’re trying to consolidate their position and now that I’m one foot in the government, they’re a bit confused and I can understand, but the year and the days that follow.”

“We will make it clear that we are the opposition and we will hold William Ruto’s administration fully to account and make a statement to give that sense of direction,” Kalonzo said on KTN.

The Wiper leader said those like him who remain in the Azimio coalition will continue to join the people of Kenya in demanding better governance.

“Those of us who still remain in Azimio believe that we will continue to be on the side of the people and that is why we said that we are the loyal opposition of the people.”

As for whether the outfit will continue to exist, Kalonzo said it will be up to the coalition leaders to decide.

He noted that so far he has not seen any communication from Azimio Coalition chairman and former president Uhuru Kenyatta or Azimio party leader Raila Odinga to leave the coalition.

“Whether Azimio stays is a matter the directors will have to agree on.”

This comes weeks after President William Ruto met Uhuru at his home in Ichaweri and then appointed some of his allies to key government positions.

Kalonzo has insisted throughout that he will not work with Ruto.